[Source: Daily Nation, by Waweru Wairimu]
Leaders from Tana River, Isiolo and Marsabit (TIM) counties have waded into Isiolo land adjudication process, demanding the cancellation of the legal notice establishing the county as an adjudication area.
Led by Marsabit Governor Mohammud Ali and Bula MP Ali Wario, the leaders raised concern that adequate public participation was not done prior to issuance of the notice that has since widened the rift between Isiolo MPs and Governor Mohamed Kuti.
Speaking at a meeting in Isiolo, the leaders said the order had not taken into consideration the interests of local residents, arguing that issues concerning land, which is an emotive issue in the pastoral counties, must be handled with a lot of care.
The politicians threatened to seek court redress to stop the adjudication process which they insisted must be driven by the community and not the county government.
The notice excludes Isiolo Township, Resort City, the Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport Corridor route, the Kenya Defence Forces School of Infantry and Combat Engineering, national game reserves and holding grounds.
Governor Kuti wants the notice amended so that adjudication is done only in settled areas and townships while senators Fatuma Dullo and Abshiro Halake (Nominated), Rehema Jaldesa (Woman Representative) and MPs Hassan Odha and Abdi Koropu of Isiolo North and South want the notice revoked and the process done afresh in line with the Community Land Act.
The leaders maintained that the county should first get a community land title deed and conversion of land ownership to public be done thereafter in consultation with residents and leaders.
Isiolo MPs, who have already challenged the matter in court, have severally stressed that they were not aware of any compulsory acquisition with respect to the areas excluded in the schedule and which should therefore continue being community land.
The legislators have also maintained that they are not opposed to issuance of title deeds but Mr Kuti has accused them of having ‘selfish interests’ for seeking court redress.
Protection of disputed areas claimed by the military, the leaders said, has created unease among residents who fear losing their land to corrupt individuals.
[Full article: Daily Nation, by Waweru Wairimu]
